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Frequently Asked Questions Retirement

Benefit Adjustments

Yes. Cost-of-Living Adjustments are effective each December first. The adjustment appears in your January payment on the first business day of the month, which is when your benefit for December is paid. Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and FERS Special Cost-of-Living Adjustments are not provided until age 62, except for disability, survivor benefits, and other special provision retirements. Also, under FERS, if you have a CSRS component, the component is subject to the CSRS COLA.

Read about Cost-of-Living Adjustments for those who receive benefits under the Civil Service Retirement System, Organization and Disability Retirement System (ORDS), the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), or FERS Special.

When you become eligible for Social Security, your military service after 1956 will be used in the computation of your Social Security. Unless you paid a deposit, prior to retirement, for your military service after 1956, it will no longer count toward your retirement benefit. However, if you did pay the deposit, no adjustment to your retirement benefit is made at age 62.

Tax tables are set into law by the United States Congress and administered by the IRS. Each year, the new tables are posted on the IRS website in IRS Publication 15 and Notice 1036.

OPM is required by law to update your Federal income tax withholding based on the new monthly periodic tax tables and formulas. OPM withholds the required federal taxes according to your marital status and exemptions (dependents) elected. You can change your tax withholding amount at any time. It is a good idea to check the amount of your Federal and State tax withholding each year.

If you retire under a disability you can earn up to 80% of the current rate of pay for the position you occupied immediately before retirement. If you retire on a voluntary retirement and become reemployed in the federal government your salary will be reduced based on your monthly annuity.

You can begin drawing your annuity as soon as you meet your first date of eligibiltiy based on your age and years of service for the retirement system under which you are employed.

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